Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Louis Ducruet attended the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo in Monaco. The Festival presents about 25 acts each year, in two different sets of performances. The awards are presented during a closing Gala performance attended by the Prince of Monaco, and his family and guests. Traditionally, the Prince also attends every selection performance. The first Gold Clowns, which in time became the equivalent of an Oscar® to the circus world, were awarded to Alfred Court, in tribute to his exceptional career, and to Charlie Rivel. (See Gold, Silver, and Bronze Clown list.)
In 1975, the Festival was presented under the big top of the Italian circus, Nando, Liana e Rinaldo Orfei, and from 1975 to 1994, under the big top of another Italian Circus, Circo Americano-Togni. Since 1995, it has been held under a large, sedentary circus structure, permanently installed on the same location, in what is now the Quartier Fontvielle, in Monaco.

Since 1974, the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, known as Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in French, is an annual festival held in Monaco. In 2012, the 36th festival was opened by Prince Albert II and his sister Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, who is the festival’s president. In 2006, Princess Stephanie became president of the event, thereby succeeding in the role of her late father.
The festival includes the awarding of the Clown d’Or (Golden Clown) award as well as awards for other circus skills. The festival is held in late January or early February.

She celebrated with a fiery display last night at the celebrations for Monaco’s patron saint but today Princess Charlene appeared in a more sombre mood. St Devote’s Day is a national holiday in Monaco in remembrance of their patron saint, a Christian martyr who was killed and tortured for her faith in the 4th century.